By BRYCE MILEWSKI
As just a sophomore, Jaya Wyche has soared to the top of Competition Dance in Indiana.
Wyche earned a State Championship this Winter.
Making the Varsity Competition Pom Team as just an eighth grader, Wyche has thrived as one of Penn’s highest scoring dancers. She made it to state last year with her solo, in which she placed sixth, and a duet with her sister Keilah, in which they placed fourth.
Wyche isn’t your average dancer; she is always continuing to become a better dancer for the sport she loves.
Her coach, Heather Sadrzadeh, said “she takes feedback and corrections to heart because she truly wants to be her absolute best.”
Wyche goes above and beyond and trains any chance she gets, whether it is with the Penn Competition Dance team, on her own time, or with outside sources.
“Training with outside sources is really beneficial and valuable to me because I get to meet new people and coaches who see value in me and want to help me do my best and grow,” Wyche said.
Not only is Wyche a remarkable dancer, but she is also an exceptional teammate. She constantly puts her teammates first, always front row cheering them on, and supporting them to the fullest. The chemistry she has with the team is unmatched and helps the entire team on the dance floor.
“Whenever I’m down at practice, she is always so uplifting and positive,” teammate Calie Milewski said. “She cheers me on at all the competitions and tells me how much she believes in me. I love having her as my teammate.”
Penn Dancer Rylie Utz said, “She’s always there whenever we need it. The team would not be where it is today without her constant skill, support, and commitment.”
Wyche brings an energy like no other that infects the people around her as well as her performance on the floor, giving her an advantage.
This season, Wyche and her sister Keilah had qualified for state, earning third place for their duet.
Wyche made it to state as well for her solo and came home as junior solo state champion. She said she is “feeling extremely blessed and grateful” for the opportunity she had to compete at state.
Her teammates are so proud of Wyche for her performance this season and say she deserves junior champion more than anyone.
“Jaya and I were the only two eighth graders on the team two years ago,” Utz said. “Each year since we joined the team. I’ve been able to watch her lead, grow, and inspire at every game, practice, or competition. I will forever be beyond proud of her.”
Collectively, Wyche makes a significant impact on the team through her consistent presence, reliability, and unwavering support for her teammates.
